Personal trainers can make a huge difference in your fitness routine. They can help you set goals, provide professional guidance to achieve those goals, and enhance your overall health. Studies show that working with a personal trainer—either one-on-one or in a small group setting—reduces your risk of injury and improves fitness outcomes.
Hiring a personal trainer requires an investment of your time and money. When you choose to work with a trainer, you’ll want to make sure you get the most out of your training sessions. Here are five tips for how to make the most of your time spent with a personal trainer.
1) Show Up
You might be surprised how many people join a group fitness class or schedule one-on-one training sessions, then never show up. That’s a waste of your money. To get the most out of personal training, you need to go to the training sessions or call to reschedule them if you can’t make it. You’ll also benefit from “showing up” mentally as well. Commit to your session and be present in the moment to get the most out of the time you’re spending working out with a fitness professional.
2) Share Your Goals
It’s very important that you share your specific goals with your trainer so they can help you achieve them. The trainer should ask this question during initial evaluations. It might even be a topic you discuss before picking which trainer to work with since different trainers have different specialties. The more specific you are about your goals, the easier it will be for the trainer to personalize your workout routine and fitness advice.
3) Communicate
Communication isn’t something that happens once at the first training session. It needs to keep going the whole time you work with a fitness instructor. Ask questions if you have them. Tell your trainer how you felt after the previous session. Share when you have concerns or want to change something. Be honest about your goals, feelings, and expectations, especially if they change as you keep going on in your fitness journey.
4) Listen
When your trainer suggests something new, listen to them. You hired this fitness expert for a reason; they have the expertise and training to give you good advice. You get the ultimate say-so in what you do, of course, but don’t be afraid to try something just because it’s new. If you have concerns, share them and see what the trainer says. They might offer encouragement to overcome your hesitation or provide an alternative exercise.
5) Don’t Compare
Working with a personal trainer one-on-one or in a group can help you achieve your fitness goals. You might even hit those goals faster than if you worked on your own. But it’s still a process; not an instant solution. Be patient with yourself, trust the process, and don’t waste time comparing yourself to others at the gym. Your fitness journey is unique, just like you.
Personal and Group Training at ESP
Here at Extreme Studio Performance, you can work with our personal trainers either one-on-one or in a small group setting. Click here to learn more about each trainer and click here to learn about their certifications.
We cap our group classes at 10 and match participants up based on similar goals. You’ll get individualized attention from the trainer leading the group, and the benefits of a supportive fitness community. Contact us today to set up a free gym tour and fitness evaluation. We’ll be happy to help you figure out which group or trainer will be the best fit for you.